Bill Overview
Title: Protections for Student Veterans Act of 2022
Description: Protections for Student Veterans Act This bill authorizes covered individuals who are utilizing Department of Veterans Affairs educational assistance benefits to withdraw or take a leave of absence after they receive orders for active service, inactive-duty training, or state active duty. A covered individual means a member of the Armed Forces (including reserve components) or the spouse of such a member. Institutions of higher education are prohibited from taking adverse actions against such individuals for withdrawing or taking a leave of absence, including assigning a failing grade, reducing the individual's grade point average, characterizing any absence as unexcused, or assessing financial penalties. The bill requires institutions of higher education to refund all tuition and fees (including for housing) for the academic term for which the individual withdraws. In situations where the individual takes a leave of absence, the institution of higher education must assign a grade of incomplete for the applicable term and permit the individual to complete the academic term after the period of service.
Sponsors: Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
Target Audience
Population: Students who are veterans and their spouses utilizing VA educational benefits
Estimated Size: 200000
- The primary population impacted includes student veterans who are members of the Armed Forces or reserves and their spouses who are utilizing educational benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- The legislation affects those who may need to withdraw from courses or take a leave of absence due to military obligations, such as active duty or training orders.
- Individuals currently involved in higher education, who are also part of the military community, are specifically protected by this bill.
- This affects universities and colleges that receive students using VA educational benefits, as they must comply with the refund and grading policies outlined in the bill.
Reasoning
- Student veterans and their spouses are the direct beneficiaries of this policy.
- We need to consider a range of individuals, including those who are currently serving, reserves, and are supported by VA benefits.
- The budget is limited, so it's crucial to understand the financial impact on both individuals and institutions.
- It is important to measure both positive and negative impacts, including those on the institutions' administrative processes.
- The broader population who might interact with this could include university administrators and teaching staff.
Simulated Interviews
Student, National Guard member (Texas)
Age: 24 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy would relieve a lot of stress when I get called for duty.
- Previously, I was worried about the financial loss and impact on my grades.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Spouse of active duty member, Student (Virginia)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a spouse, this gives me peace of mind in case my partner gets deployed.
- Financial stability during my studies is a huge bonus.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Student veteran (California)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy ensures my education isn't disrupted unfairly.
- I'm less anxious about being called up after enrolling.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Reserve member, Student (Florida)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Previously, there was a lot of uncertainty around deployments.
- Now I can continue my education with more flexibility.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Veteran graduate student (Ohio)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This won't affect me now but would have been great during my active days.
- Good reassurance for colleagues still serving.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
University Administrator (New York)
Age: 35 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy requires us to adjust our administration and refund processes.
- I think it's fair for the students but adds administrative stress.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Spouse of a reserve member, Student (North Carolina)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's comforting to know that my education is protected while my spouse serves.
- Financial penalty waivers are a relief.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Professor (Colorado)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From an academic perspective, the policy is supportive of my students.
- However, we'll have to manage the grading differently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 9 |
Student, National Guard member (Georgia)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've declined some training equals before to avoid academic and financial repercussions.
- Thanks to this policy, I can do both with peace of mind.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Reserve Officer, Student (Illinois)
Age: 37 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Balancing military service with law school can be tough.
- This policy enhances my ability to focus on both.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $60000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $80000000)
Year 2: $60000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $80000000)
Year 3: $60000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $80000000)
Year 5: $60000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $80000000)
Year 10: $60000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $80000000)
Year 100: $60000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $80000000)
Key Considerations
- The administrative burden on higher education institutions to comply with refund and grading requirements.
- Potential need for additional staffing or technology in educational administrations to handle the requirements.
- Potential temporary financial stress on institutions if refunds need to be issued rapidly or in large volumes.
- The bill supports military families by preventing financial penalties due to required military service obligations.